What procedure should be performed first in the setup for surgery?

Establishing the sterile field is essential to ensure that the surgical environment is free from contamination and bacteria before any instruments or equipment are brought into the operating area. This procedure involves creating a controlled environment where aseptic techniques are maintained. It is vital because once the sterile field is compromised, it poses a significant risk of infection to the patient.

In surgical setups, establishing the sterile field acts as the foundation upon which all subsequent actions, including the arrangement of instruments and the preparation of anesthesia equipment, will take place. If the sterile field is not established first, any additional steps performed could lead to contamination and increase the risk of surgical site infections, which can have serious consequences for the patient.

While preparing instruments and anesthesia equipment are critical steps in surgical preparation, they should only be conducted after the sterile field has been set up. Additionally, reviewing the patient's chart is a preparatory step but is generally conducted prior to entering the operating room and does not directly pertain to the physical setup for the surgery itself.